Tempers flared when Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir got involved in a heated exchange in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During IPL 2023, there were instances where the crowd would taunt him and LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq with ‘Kohli-Kohli’ chants. The trend continued in Sri Lanka as well as the crowd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium chanted ‘Kohli-Kohli’ while Gambhir walked out of the ground. The former Indian opener was quick to reply to the crowd as he made an obscene gesture before walking off during the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash.
Gambhir criticises Kohli
In the previous match, Kohli got out for a single-digit score to Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. Kohli tried to push the ball towards off side but ended up inside-edging it to his stumps. Gambhir who was in the commentary box criticised Kohli as he said, "That was a nothing shot, neither forward, neither back. I think was a bit casual. That's what you get when you play someone like Shaheen Afridi. You don't know whether to go forward or back."
The Kohli vs Gambhir history
Kohli and Gambhir both were reprimanded for their verbal spat in IPL 2023. They were fined 100 per cent of their match fee for breaching the code of conduct whereas Afghan pacer was fined 50 per cent.
However, the rivalry dates back to IPL 2023 when Gambhir was Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) captain. The Indian top-order batters were involved in a heated exchange.
